Volume 15, Issue 2: 2025 - Article 204

Abstract
An outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) was reported in the cattle herd at the University of Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria, shortly after the introduction of new stock into the farm, without quarantine or health screening. The affected herd comprised mixed Bunaji and Sokoto Gudali breeds managed extensively. The clinical signs included profuse salivation, oral vesicles, lameness and ulcerative lesions in the inter-digital spaces and mucous membranes. These signs rapidly progressed and spread across the herd, prompting immediate clinical and epidemiological investigations. A thorough diagnostic protocol was implemented, comprising clinical examination, sample collection for virological and serological analysis, and epidemiological assessment of risk factors. Epithelial samples and oropharyngeal swabs yielded cytopathic effects on bovine thyroid (BTY) cell cultures, confirming the presence of FMD virus (FMDV). Serum neutralization tests further substantiated the diagnosis, indicating active infection. Parasitological findings revealed incidental helminth infestations that may have aggravated clinical severity of the viral infection. The absence of biosecurity measures and recent animal introduction were identified as key contributors to the outbreak. The condition was managed with systemic anti-microbial therapy, anti-parasitic treatment, multivitamin supplementation and rigorous topical antiseptic care. Affected animals were isolated and monitored to prevent disease spread. This report highlights the consequences of inadequate biosecurity and lack of initial quarantine before introduction of new stock into a farm, and further underscores the importance of early clinical recognition, rapid virological confirmation and integrated supportive care in managing FMD outbreaks in institutional herds. The case serves as a critical reminder of the transboundary risks posed by unrestricted animal movements and the essential role of veterinary oversight in livestock health security.

Keywords: Foot and mouth disease; Cattle herd; Biosecurity breach; Vesicular lesions; Virus isolation.

How to cite this article:
Bello AM, Udechukwu CC, Abdullahi AM, Kaltungo BY and Danbirni S (2025). Case report of foot and mouth disease outbreak in a university cattle herd after introduction of new stock. Journal of Veterinary and Applied Sciences, 15(2): 1204 – 1216.

*Correspondence: E-mail:  amina1bello@gmail.com      Phone: +2348035862820

Case report of foot and mouth disease outbreak in a university cattle herd after introduction of new stock.
Amina M. Bello ^{1, 6 *}, Collins C. Udechukwu ^{2, 6}, Adama M. Abdullahi ^{3, 6}, Bilkisu Y. Kaltungo ^{4, 6}, Samaila Danbirni <sup>5, 6

1</sup> Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri, P.M.B. 1069 Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria.
² Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bayero University Kano P.M.B. 3011 Kano, Kano State, Nigeria
³ Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri, P.M.B. 1069 Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria.
⁴ Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, P.M.B 1094 Samaru-Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria.
⁵ Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, P.M.B 1094 Samaru-Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria.
⁶ Postgraduate College of Veterinary Surgeons, Nigeria.

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